Fr Philip Carter offers a ministry of spirituality, with a series of meditations on some questions that we may ponder as we consider our life in God.
You will find here his reflections and questions for meditation, images, music and poetry to enrich your life’s journey.
It is about shifting my centre of gravity from self to God
Jesus comes to us from the inside. He reaches us from within our experience, whatever it is. And the dispositions which open us to him belong to the poor, the immature, and the burdened. For they make no claims and have few defences.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Galatians 2:20
Jesus invites me to live with my ego differently. It is about shifting my centre of gravity from self to God. Rather than making something of myself – often in a spirit of deep anxiety – I notice and let go of all my attempts to hide my need, my limitations, my vulnerability and Jet Jesus inform and shape my everyday. I let Jesus be my way of being in the world. I let Jesus touch the places of fear, bitterness or resentment in me, finding room for his gentleness and mercy.
A Parable: the Mustard Seed, Cara B Hochhalter
Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.
John 8:7
The heart is the wellspring for all our actions, good or bad. So the more light we let in to our hearts the more we are free from prejudice and self interest. Seeing ourselves clearly means being free or distanced from our often hidden drives and passions, our addiction to privilege, control or achievement. It then means seeing more clearly the “other” without blame, resentment or judgement.
Put your sword back in its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:52
Particular instance; universal principle. But it’s a principle and rule in which Christian history has searched for exceptions. But the principle is grounded in the nature of God, who never seeks to impose his will by force but rather always seeks the response of faith. “Justice can wait, mercy cannot wait!” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
The images in this post are of linocuts by Cara B Hochhalter from her book A Challenging Peace in the Life and Stories of Jesus. The image at the top of the post is of the parable of the sower.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven
Light of sun, radiance of moon
Splendour of fire, speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock.
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s eyes to look to before m
God’s wisdom to guide me
God’s way to lie before me
God’s shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and a near
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul
Christ in me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down
Christ when I sit down
Christ when I rise
Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me
I arise today
The Deer’s Cry Shaun Davey
For a printable PDF of the text of this meditation please click on the link below.
